Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently offered valuable advice to Rohit Sharma, focusing on the latter’s footwork, which has been a concern for some time. According to Gavaskar, Rohit needs to address his slow foot movement, especially at the start of his innings, to avoid getting trapped by early deliveries.
This issue became particularly evident during the 2023 ICC World Cup and in earlier Test series, including a disappointing performance against New Zealand, where Rohit managed just 91 runs in six innings.
Gavaskar emphasized that Rohit’s attacking mindset, while often an asset, could sometimes work against him if he doesn’t get his footwork right early on. In an insightful comment about the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gavaskar noted that Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, often exposes batsmen whose foot movement is slow.
He explained that the first few overs can be challenging, especially against such a formidable bowling lineup, but Rohit can overcome this hurdle by adjusting his technique.
The advice comes as part of a broader strategy for Rohit to regain his form and consistency. Gavaskar pointed out that if the Indian opener can successfully adjust his footwork and get past the early threats from bowlers like Starc and Pat Cummins, he would be able to score more freely in the latter stages of the innings. Gavaskar further noted that Australian pitches, typically good for batting, could reward a controlled, selective approach, particularly during the initial phase of an innings.
As Rohit Sharma looks ahead to the upcoming Test series and other challenges, this insight from Gavaskar is timely. By fine-tuning his footwork and shot selection, especially in the face of Australia’s aggressive bowling, Rohit could rediscover the form that has made him a stalwart of Indian cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar’s words offer both a tactical and mental roadmap for the captain as he aims to overcome his recent struggles and lead India to further success.